Saudi Arabia’s First Ever Arab Fashion Week Makes Headlines

Riyadh: First ever Arab Fashion Week starts in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Renowned fashion designers Jean Paul Gaultier and Roberto Cavalli were present in Saudi Arabia to witness this extravagant event which made headlines across the world.

Saudi Arabian edition of Arab Fashion Week is held two weeks after it’s initially scheduled. Galaxy of stars from fashion world including The Suitable Woman line fame Arwa Banawi, and Saudi Sheikha Mashael Alrajhi are part of this glamorous event which is held for four days.

Inauguration of Arab Fashion Week

For the inaugural season of the fashion week, honorary president of Arab Fashion Council in Riyadh, Princess Noura Bint Faisal Al- Saud joined the designers, influencers, and industry insiders hailing from Ukraine to Lebanon held at Ritz Carlton in Riyadh. This hotel is famous for being the host of several royals and businessmen. Princess Noura has an affirmative approach for the future of fashion in Saudi Arabia. Her thoughts are rightly depicted when she states:

“Fashion has always an interest of Saudi Arabia. It has not been something that wasn’t on the table or in the picture. Our fashion council is trying to bring the fashion industry in Saudi Arabia to a whole new level, a whole new industry.”

Arab Fashion Week is now listed among Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks. It offers pre collections, and see-now-buy-now collections. Earlier, it was hosted by Dubai, the gulf fashion capital. However, Riyadh shows are not open to camera lights and the event was exclusively for women only. The Kingdom witnessed a rapid policy change since the appointment of Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman. It is now open to glitz and glamour.

Cultural Revolution in KSA

Earlier Crown Prince has also allowed women to drive and also hinted to remove compulsion of wearing abaya in future. This is surely a revolution in the culture of Saudi Arabia.

Arab Fashion Council CEO Jacob Abrian expressed:

“We are so excited today to be announcing a history and new era for the kingdom, and for the entire Arab world, which is Arab Fashion Week.”

The second edition of Saudi Arab Fashion Week is scheduled for October. Dubai will host its own sixth edition Arab Fashion Week from May 9-12.

Ainy Ather is a senior web content writer and dedicated chief news editor at Hamariweb.com with over 5 years experience in content development. She is business graduate and have keen interest in current affairs and world politics.